Fashion and homewares chain Life & Style is to close 22 of its 150 stores, with the loss of 274 jobs.
The retailer's banks placed it into administration on June 10, appointing financial advisory firm RSM Tenon.

A statement from joint administrator Simon Bonney said: "RSM Tenon has now completed its initial review of the Life & Style business. Unfortunately as part of our efforts to safeguard the health of the overall business we had no alternative but to close 22 shops, and make 274 people redundant. We are now in early discussions with a number of parties in relation to the disposal of all parts of the business as a going concern."

Life & Style is the third company set up by owner Elaine McPherson to enter administration, after her fashion business Ethel Austin and sister homewares chain Au Naturale suffered the same fate in February 2010.

Ms McPherson launched Life & Style in March 2010 after acquiring the trade and assets of Ethel Austin and Au Naturale.